Gary Cole is reportedly being lined up for a season 19 role
NCIS will reportedly welcome a brand new star into the fold of its main cast when it returns later this year for its 19th season - and now fans are fearing for the worst following the continuing rumours that Mark Harmon wants out of the series.
MORE: Where are the stars who left NCIS now?
Although not officially confirmed by CBS, Chicago Fire and actor Gary Cole is being lined up for a part on the long-running franchise. Details about his character remain under wraps for now, but according to , the actor is set to join the cast in a major role.
Shortly after the news broke, many fans of the show took to Twitter to give their thoughts.
WATCH: Katrina Law makes her debut in season 18
One frenzied fan wrote in reply to the news: "Is he going to replace Mark Harmon?!" Another said: "OK, re these rumours about Gary Cole - I just don't see it surviving without Mark Harmon."
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However, some were more positive. "Gary Cole is a great choice to head the @NCIS_CBS team until Mark Harmon shows up again," one wrote, while someone else added: "Oh my God I am now SO EXCITED after reading that Gary Cole might star in and have a big role."
According to sources, the actor may not be the only new face joining the show's main cast in the new season and fans should expect to hear more casting news in the coming months.
Many fans are once again concerned about Mark Harmon's future on the series
It's likely that former star Katrina Law, who was introduced as REACT agent Jessica Knight in the penultimate episode of season 18, will take up a place on the team following Emily Wickersham's character Ellie Bishop's shocking season finale exit.
MORE: Who is Katrina Law and who does she play on NCIS?
This year has seen several major changes to the franchise. While it was announced in February that would end with its current season, new series NCIS: Hawai'i will be the first with a woman at the helm - and the first set outside mainland USA.
It's been confirmed that actress and TV presenter Vanessa Lachey will take on the role of Jane Tennant, a female officer who has risen through the ranks to become the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor. Joining the host in the cast are Yasmine Al-Bustami and Jason Antoon, who will play two junior NCIS agents.
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